IB DP Language A Language and Literature – Sample text analysis – interview

Text: “Transcript: A Conversation With Christopher Hitchens.” Radio Free Europe. https://www.rferl.org/a/transcript_conversation_with_christopher_hitchens/2244720.html

(This interview is far too long for an actual Paper 1. If it were to be used for an actual Paper 1 the IB would use a shorter extract).

Before you read the “spoiler” bullet points below take a careful look at the text. Imagine it is a text you are using for your DP Language A Language and Literature assessments: the individual oral, the HL essay, or Paper 1 and analyze it accordingly. (This text would not be appropriate for Paper 2).

Some elements of the text to consider:

  • The considerable length and depth of Hitchen’s answers and the type of language he uses.
  • The breadth and depth of the questions and answers
  • The tone of the interview – some interviews are neutral, some are fawning / collegial, while others are combative. What is the tone of this interview?
  • Given the topics discussed in the interview and the language and length of the answers, what is the audience?

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